What is 'barebacking'? A new Gen Z trend is quietly resisting the hustle culture

In a world where digital distraction is the default, Gen Z is now flipping the script with a baffling new commuting trend that's sparking curiosity — and discomfort — across public transport. It's called barebacking, and no, it’s not what you think. The term has been coined to describe the practice of commuting without any technological distractions. That means no phones, no AirPods, no Kindle, not even a paperback novel. Just you, your thoughts, and the glaring awkwardness of direct eye contact with strangers.

From ‘Rawdogging’ Flights to ‘Barebacking’ Buses
The trend finds its roots in the internet’s obsession with raw, undistracted living — similar to the previously viral “rawdogging” flights trend, where travelers forego any inflight entertainment to endure the journey as-is. Now, the Gen Z workforce is taking it a step further by baring their commute in the most literal way: without a single screen to shield themselves from their surroundings. Podcaster Curtis Morton brought the term into the spotlight during a recent episode where he ranked annoying travel habits. Topping his list were these “barebackers” who simply sit — doing nothing. “You've done this commute a hundred times. Why are you just...looking around? Looking at me? Do something!” he exclaimed.

A Digital Detox or a Distress Call?
According to a report from Daily Mail, experts suggest the phenomenon is less about rebellion and more about reclaiming mental space. Career coach Amanda Augustine explains that the return to office culture has blurred the lines between work and personal time. By ditching their devices, some commuters are pushing back against the pressure to be “on” before even clocking in. It’s a quiet form of resistance — a screen detox to bookend their screen-heavy workdays. Augustine adds, “They’re using their commutes to mentally prepare for the day or decompress after it, rather than mindlessly scroll through emails or social media.”

Awkward Silence or Empowering Stillness?
Yet not everyone is comfortable with this raw engagement with reality. Fellow passengers report increased discomfort from those just... existing. With no screens or books to hide behind, the unfiltered environment can stir up social anxiety, especially in packed spaces like trains and buses. While some find the practice calming or even admirable, others, like Morton, find it unsettling — the feeling of being watched, or judged, in silence.

Gen Z and the Quiet Quitting of Hustle Culture
This trend also fits neatly within the larger Gen Z narrative of resisting hustle culture. Recent data from Randstad Australia shows that 42% of Gen Z workers would rather be unemployed than stuck in an unhappy job, and over half would quit if work interfered with personal joy. In that light, barebacking the commute may be less about discomfort and more about intentional disconnection — a brief rebellion against the constant noise of the modern workplace.

As this peculiar habit catches on, it's stirring debate: is it an evolution toward mindfulness, or a sign of increasing alienation? Whatever side you fall on, it’s clear that Gen Z isn’t afraid to challenge convention — even if it means riding the bus in absolute silence, no screens, no distractions... just the raw, awkward, human experience of being present.